Page 140 of The Puck Stops Here

He let go of a gruff laugh. ‘Then it’s me who should apologise.’

She took a little breath, her tongue snaking out to wet her lips as she backed up. ‘You can help me back in it if you like.’

He swung the door shut and swept her into his arms, her delightful giggle-cum-squeal cut short by their kiss.

God, she felt good. Smelled good. Sounded good. Her moans matched his as he cupped her against him.

‘I’ve been fantasising about this all afternoon,’ he murmured.

‘Even with your realtor?’

‘Even with him.’

She shoved his jacket to the floor. ‘Poor guy.’

‘Not so poor when I take up the lease,’ he said, breaking away just long enough for her to shove his sweater and tee over his head.

‘Are you going to?’ She hooked her fingers into the waistband of his jeans, yanked him back to her.

‘Possibly. Probably. I’d like you to come see it.’

Her head jerked back, her startled gaze meeting his. ‘Me?’

‘I’d like a second opinion.’

‘And you wantmine?’

Play it down, buddy. You’re freaking her out.

‘Doesn’t hurt to get a female perspective on that elusive thing you call home.’

Her mouth hung open, her body teasing at his groin even as she kept her lips from his. He stroked his hands beneath her tee, from her waist to her bare breasts, felt her skin prickle, watched her eyes glaze, and her body start to arch. Better…

‘So, you up for it?’

He rolled his thumbs over each tightened peak…

‘You’re playing dirty again,’ she gasped.

‘I warned you I could play dirtier, baby.’

‘What if I can play dirtier still?’

* * *

Astrid popped the button on his jeans, her only thought to end the emotional connection and build on the sexual. Because the sexual felt safe. The other… she had no idea how to handle that. No experience either.

And she needed him. With every fibre of her being she needed him. Andthis, she knew.Thisshe understood.Thiswas right.

She kissed him deep as she tugged his zipper down.

‘You want to take this to the bedroom?’ he said.

‘I want to take you right here…’ She trailed her hands down his front, marvelling at every line of ink, every ridge. ‘Right now.’

‘Your—’

The word became a groan as she slipped inside his briefs.